Explain what the MJ knows as it pertains to an ACC's PTA.

• A. The MJ will know of the existence of a PTA, but will not know the sentencing limitations (all located in Appendix A)
• B. The MJ will know all terms of the PTA
• C. The MJ will not be informed that a PTA exists
• D. The MJ will be told the potential penalties in the PTA

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a military judge must be aware that a pretrial agreement exists, but the judge does not receive the specific sentencing limits tied to that agreement. In practice, the existence of the PTA is disclosed so the judge knows there is a binding deal affecting the disposition, yet the exact terms—especially the sentencing limitations—are kept in Appendix A and are not part of what the judge reviews in the courtroom. This separation helps preserve the integrity of the deal and keeps sensitive terms out of the courtroom record unless appellate review requires them. The other terms are handled by the parties and the convening authority, with the appendix serving as the confidential source of those limits.